Director confirms talks ongoing over Sunderland transfer deal

The sporting director of Bologna has revealed they are holding talks with Sunderland with regards to signing Emanuele Giaccherini this summer. The Italy international spent last season on loan with the Serie A side.

TMW have reported on comments Riccardo Bigon made to the Italian media after being installed as the new sporting director of Bologna. Asked about the situation with Giaccherini, Bigon confirmed the club have already held meetings with Sunderland, with the objective to make the winger’s move permanent. Bigon went on to say they will now sit down to evaluate signing the player as there are large costs involved.

"We are evaluating the situation, we have already met Sunderland, there are significant costs involved," said Bigon on the Sunderland man.

Giaccherini joined Bologna last summer on loan because he was concerned he would miss out on making the Italy Euro 2016 squad if he remained in England. Throughout last season the Italian said he wanted to remain at Bologna, but in recent weeks his head has been turned due to interest from other clubs in Serie A.